Verrucae

Verrucae are warts that occur on the feet, most commonly on the soles and toes. They are benign tumours caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and are contagious. Verrucae are most often contracted in moist, damp areas such as swimming pools and communal changing areas.

Verrucae occur when the skin is compromised or broken as this allows the virus to invade skin cells and incubate. An overproduction of skin cells then occurs as the virus replicates and this causes the `warty` appearance of verrucae.

In view of the increased incidence of skin cancers, it is recommended that all tumour like or new discoloured lesions on your feet should be checked by a GP or HCPC registered podiatrist.

Verrucae and warts usually spontaneously resolve within 6-12 months. If they do not hurt, aren’t spreading or causing cosmetic concern, recommendations are to leave them alone as the body’s own immune system will eventually recognise and destroy the virus without the need for treatment.

However, if you wish to treat your verrucae/wart, Winchester Podiatry can help find the right treatment for you. The length and type of treatment will vary according to your medical history, duration and resistance of the verruca. Our experienced podatrists will conduct a full assessment and offer you the most appropriate treatment options including:

Swift is considered to be the most effective verruca treatment currently available for the treatment of verrucae. This revolutionary new technology uses microwave therapy, delivered through a special probe, to treat your verruca in a controlled, precise manner. This treatment is quick, involves no anaesthetic or messy dressings and you can return to your usual activities following the procedure.

Verruca Needling Winchester Podiatry is one of the few practices in the UK to offer this procedure. It is believed to work by destroying the infected skin cells and then creating a controlled inflammatory response which stimulates the body’s immune system to destroy the virus. Needling is carried out painlessly under a local anaesthetic. The verruca is punctured with a small sterile needle multiple times to expose the viral particles to the immune regulators in the deeper skin layers. This can stimulate the immune system to recognise and destroy the virus. This treatment has been successfully used by practitioners worldwide for over 40 years. It differs from most other treatments as it requires only one, occasionally two, applications and a small dressing for just 48 hours post operatively.